Syracuse University Athletics Takes Next Step to Create New Stadium Experience

This week, Syracuse University Athletics will take another important step as it seeks to advance its multi-year plan to invest $118 million to create a new stadium experience on its main campus.

On Tuesday, Oct. 9, several Syracuse University representatives will appear before the City of Syracuse Planning Commission to formally present its roof replacement application. This latest action follows the University’s May 14 announcement, as well as several months of engagement and consultation with its partners in the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

“As an alumnus, a fan and director of athletics, I am confident that our fans will experience Syracuse University athletics in a way they never have before,” says Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “What’s particularly exciting is that a transformed stadium benefits so many constituencies, including our student-athletes, our students, faculty, staff, fans, visitors and the greater Central New York community. The stadium has proven to be a hub of economic activity in our region and I am so excited to see the many ways a new stadium experience will contribute to Central New York’s future.”

In fact, the University’s economic impact was defined in a 2017 study prepared by EMSI, a firm that has worked extensively with educational institutions around the world, modeling and quantifying the impact institutions have on their local and regional economies. According to that study, the economic impact within Onondaga County generated by travel and tourism connected to events at Syracuse University exceeds $140 million annually. Further, those events—the majority of which take place at Syracuse University’s stadium—support more than 3,200 local jobs.

“The new roof structure presents a new era on the Hill,” says Mayor Ben Walsh. “We’re pleased the University is moving forward with the project.”

As part of the transformation, the University will invest more than $6 million in comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accessibility upgrades. Among the improvements being made are a new accessible entrance, updating the current elevator, five ADA electric door operators, the installation of closed captioning software and the addition of accessible seating, as well as other accessibility updates. Some of these updates have already been made or are currently underway.

In addition to the new fixed roof and improved accessibility, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, added Wi-Fi capabilities and a vertically hung scoreboard are among the enhancements visitors will begin experiencing in fall 2020. Other phase one features include the installation of air conditioning, new accessible restrooms and new concessions space. These features are expected to be completed by fall 2022.

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://syracuse.edu.

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